Cosmetic formulations of quaternary ammonium compounds free of short-chain alcohols

ABSTRACT

Cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds, particularly for hair-treatment, require low setting points, good solubility and dispersibility in aqueous media and a low flash point. It has now been found that such compositions can be formulated with quaternary ammonium compounds essentially free of short-chain alcohols, such as isopropanol. The novel composition comprises:  
     a) at least one quaternary ammonium compound and  
     b) at least one branched alcohol having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol and at least one unbranched alcohol having 8 to 36 carbon atoms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to compositions comprising quaternary ammonium compounds which have a low setting point, good solubility or dispersibility in aqueous media and a low flash point and are thus highly suitable for formulating quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0002] Cosmetic compositions, such as, for example, hair-treatment compositions, often comprise sparingly water-soluble quaternary ammonium compounds which have a long-chain alkyl or alkenyl group. Such compositions are usually formulated as aqueous dispersions, emulsions, microemulsions, gels or else in aerosol form and are used, for example, as shampoos, hair cures, hair rinses, etc.

[0003] For the manufacturer of such compositions, it is highly advantageous to prepare the quaternary ammonium compounds as compounded materials or formulations in the form of flakes, pellets or pastes which, as well as having a high cationic active ingredient content, have a low setting point and also good solubility or dispersibility in aqueous media.

[0004] In accordance with the prior art, the above requirements can be achieved by adding short-chain alcohols, in particular isopropanol, in amounts of from 15 to 20% by weight. Because of their low boiling and flash points, however, such short-chain alcohols are problematical.

[0005] As described in WO 00/28950, the short-chain alcohols can be replaced by linear fatty alcohols (e.g. cetyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, behenyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol). In order to lower the setting point or melting point of the mixtures to temperatures below 100° C., glycols, such as, for example, propylene glycol or 1,3-butanediol, are additionally added. WO 00/28950 further emphasizes that the fatty alcohols are advantageously homogeneous fatty alcohols which contain less than about 10% by weight of another fatty alcohol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Surprisingly, it has now been found that compositions comprising quaternary ammonium compounds and branched long-chain alcohols, preferably mixtures of branched and unbranched long-chain alcohols, and low molecular weight polyhydric alcohols have low setting and melting points, good solubility and dispersibility in aqueous media and a low flash point. Such compositions are thus highly suitable for formulating quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0007] The invention provides compositions comprising

[0008] a) at least one quaternary ammonium compound according to formula (1)

[0009]  where

[0010] R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8, and

[0011] R₂, R₃ and R₄, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are a 13 CH₃, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂OH or —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH group and

[0012] X⁻ is an anion, and

[0013] b) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms.

[0014] The branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2) can be saturated or unsaturated.

[0015] Particularly advantageous performance properties are exhibited by compositions which comprise, as component b), a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2).

[0016] The proportion of quaternary ammonium compounds a), based on the finished compositions, is preferably 30 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably 40 to 80% by weight, especially preferably 45 to 75% by weight, very particularly preferably 45 to 65% by weight.

[0017] Surprisingly, it has been found that the compositions can advantageously have high proportions by weight of quaternary ammonium compounds a) coupled with simultaneously low melting and setting points.

[0018] Quaternary ammonium compounds a) are preferably (C₁₂-C₃₆)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds, particularly preferably (C₁₄-C₃₀)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds, especially preferably (C₁₆-C₂₄)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.

[0019] Particular preference is given to alkyltrimethylammonium compounds in which the alkyl radical is a behenyl, erucyl, cetyl or stearyl radical. The anion X⁻ in formula (1) may be any desired charge-balancing anion; preferably chloride, iodide, bromide, methosulfate, hydrogensulfate, lactate and/or citrate, particularly preferably chloride and methosulfate.

[0020] A very particularly suitable quaternary ammonium compound a) is behenyltrimethylammonium chloride.

[0021] The proportion of alcohol component b) is, based on the finished compositions, preferably 10 to 70% by weight, particularly preferably 20 to 60% by weight, especially preferably 25 to 50% by weight.

[0022] If the compositions comprise branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2), then the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is preferably 90:10 to 10:90, particularly preferably 70:30 to 30:70, especially preferably 60:40 to 40:60.

[0023] Preferably, the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) have 10 to 24, particularly preferably 12 to 18, especially preferably 14 to 16, carbon atoms. The branched alcohols b1) are preferably singly branched.

[0024] Particularly suitable branched alcohols b1) are Guerbet alcohols, 2-methyl-1-decanol, 2-ethyl-1-nonanol, 2-propyl-1-octanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-butyldecanol, 2-hexyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldecanol, 2-hexyldodecanol, 2-octyldodecanol, 2-decyltetradecanol, 2-butyl-1-heptanol, 2-dodecylhexadecanol, tetradecyloctadecanol, 2-tetradecyleicosanol, 2-hexadecyloctadecanol, 2-hexadecyleicosanol, 2-methyltridecanol, 2-ethyidodecanol, 2-propylundecanol, 2-pentylnonanol, 2-heptylheptanol, 2-methyltetradecanol, 2-ethyltridecanol, 2-propyldodecanol, 2-butylundecanol, 2-pentyldecanol, 2-hexylnonanol, 2-heptyloctanol, isotridecyl alcohol and mixtures thereof.

[0025] Particular preference is given to compositions which comprise, as branched alcohols b1), alcohol mixtures corresponding to the commercially available ®Isalchem grades (Sasol).

[0026] Preferred branched alcohols b1) for the combined use with unbranched alcohols b2 are 2-methyltridecanol, 2-ethyldodecanol, 2-propylundecanol, 2-butyldecanol, 2-pentyinonanol, 2-hexyloctanol, 2-heptylheptanol, 2-methyltetradecanol, 2-ethyltridecanol, 2-propyidodecanol, 2-butylundecanol, 2-pentyldecanol, 2-hexylnonanol and 2-heptyloctanol.

[0027] Preferred unbranched alcohols b2) are fatty alcohols, particularly preferably lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol. Likewise preferred are nonanol, undecanol, tridecanol, pentadecanol and heptadecanol.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise branched alcohols b1) having 14 to 16 carbon atoms and unbranched alcohols b2) having 14 to 16 carbon atoms, where the weight ratio, based on the finished compositions, of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 70:30 to 30:70, particularly preferably 65:35 to 55:45, especially preferably 60:40, and the weight ratio of alcohols having 14 carbon atoms to alcohols having 15 carbon atoms is in the range from 55:45 to 65:35.

[0029] Particular preference is given to compositions which comprise, as mixtures of branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2), alcohol mixtures corresponding to the ®LIAL grades (e.g. ®LIAL 145 and 123, Sasol). The alcohols from the ®LIAL grades are typically prepared by the oxo process.

[0030] Surprisingly, it has been found that if the alcohols b1) are used the compositions can be free from polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as, for example, glycols (e.g. ethylene glycol and propylene glycol), butanediols (e.g. 1,3-butanediol), glycerol, thioglycerol, sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol.

[0031] Optionally, to improve the performance properties, the compositions according to the invention may comprise unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferred monoalcohols are ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol and tert-butanol, particularly preferably isopropanol. Based on the finished compositions, the compositions preferably comprise less than 5% by weight, particularly preferably less than 1% by weight, of such monoalcohols.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the compositions are free from unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0033] The compositions according to the invention preferably have setting points below 100° C., particularly preferably below 95° C., especially preferably below 90° C., very particularly preferably 85° C.

[0034] The flash point of the compositions according to the invention is preferably above 80° C., particularly preferably above 100° C.

[0035] The compositions according to the invention may, for example, be pellets, flakes, extrudates, pastes, compacts, powders, and also emulsions or dispersions.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the invention are prepared by preparing a mixture comprising

[0037] i) at least one quaternary ammoniun compound a), optionally containing a branched or unbranched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,

[0038] ii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, and

[0039] iii) optionally at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the components i) to iii) are mixed and then heated, optionally with stirring. Here, the temperature is chosen so that the mixture is in the form of a melt. Preference is given to temperatures of from 70 to 120° C., particularly preferably 80 to 110° C. In another preferred embodiment, the component i) is introduced as a melt.

[0041] The quaternary ammonium compounds a) of component i) can be prepared in a known manner by alkylation of a tertiary amine in the presence of at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol and tert-butanol, particularly preferably isopropanol. The quaternary ammonium compounds are preferably used as pellets or particularly preferably as powders. In a preferred embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compounds comprise less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 2% by weight, of monoalcohols. In a further preferred embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compounds comprise 10 to 25% by weight of monoalcohols. The compositions according to the invention preferably have a total content of unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms of less than 5% by weight, particularly preferably less than 1% by weight.

[0042] In a likewise preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the invention are free from unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0043] To establish the desired content of monoalcohols in the compositions according to the invention, the components i) and/or iii) are correspondingly chosen and calculated and/or the monoalcohols are partially or completely removed from the component i) beforehand.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the monoalcohols are subsequently removed from the compositions according to the invention except for the desired residual content. The monoalcohols are preferably stripped off at 700 to 10 mbar, preferably 400 to 70 mbar, and 60 to 90° C.

[0045] The monoalcohols can also be distilled off at atmospheric pressure in suitable evaporation devices (e.g. thin-film evaporator) at temperatures up to 120° C.

[0046] Surprisingly, it has been found that the compositions according to the invention can also be prepared “in situ” by alkylation of

[0047] i) at least one tertiary amine NR₁R₂R₃,

[0048] where

[0049] R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8,

[0050] and R₂ and R₃, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are CH₃—, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂(OH), by

[0051] ii) at least one alkylating agent chosen from

[0052] a) R₄X, where R₄ is —CH₃, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or

[0053]  —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂(OH), and X is Cl, l, Br, OSO₃H or methosulfate, and/or

[0054] b) ethylene oxide and an acid HX, where X is Cl, l, Br, OSO₃H, citrate or lactate,

[0055] in the presence of

[0056] iii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and

[0057] iv) optionally at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0058] Preferably, in the reaction, the feed amounts of branched alcohols b1), unbranched alcohols b2) and optionally unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are chosen to correspond to the composition already described above as preferred for the compositions according to the invention. The contents can also be adjusted by subsequent addition or removal.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, no unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are used in the reaction.

[0060] The compositions according to the invention prepared by the above-described processes can be converted as homogeneous or inhomogeneous melts by cooling into pellets, flakes, extrudates or pastes or, after cooling, be further processed to give compacts, powders, granulates, emulsions or dispersions.

[0061] The compositions according to the invention are generally suitable for the preparation of compositions comprising quaternary ammonium compounds. The compositions are particularly suitable for the preparation of cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, they are suitable for the preparation of hair-treatment compositions.

[0062] The invention accordingly also provides for the use of the compositions according to the invention for the preparation of compositions, preferably cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions, in particular hair-treatment compositions, comprising quaternary ammonium compounds. Examples of preferred compositions are shampoos, rinse-off hair conditioners, cream rinses, clear rinses, hair cures, hair colorants and hair tints, permanent waving compositions, hair gels, hair conditioners in aerosol, spray and fluid form, 2-in-1 shower preparations, cream shower preparations, skincare compositions, day creams, night creams, care creams, nutrient creams, body lotions and ointments.

[0063] The cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions comprise the compositions according to the invention, based on the finished compositions, preferably in amounts of from 0.1 to 15% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 10% by weight, especially preferably 1 to 7% by weight.

[0064] The cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions can comprise, as further auxiliaries and additives, all customary surfactants, oily substances, emulsifiers and coemulsifiers, cationic polymers, film formers, superfatting agents, moisture-donating agents, stabilizers, biogenic active ingredients, preservatives, pearlizing agents, dyes and fragrances, solvents, glycerol, hydrotropic agents, opacifiers, thickeners, dispersants, protein derivatives, such as, for example, gelatin, collagen hydrolyzates, natural and synthetic-based polypeptides, egg yolk, lecithin, lanolin and lanolin derivatives, silicones, deodorizing agents, substances with a keratolytic and keratoplastic action, enzymes, carrier substances, antioxidants, UV light protection filters, pigments and metal oxides, and antimicrobially effective agents.

[0065] The surfactants used may be anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants. Preferred nonionic surfactants contain, as hydrophilic group, a polyol group, a polyolalkenyl ether group, or a combination of polyol and polyglycol ether groups. Preference is given to addition products of from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide, 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide together with up to 5 mol of propylene oxide or of up to 5 mol of propylene oxide onto linear fatty alcohols having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and alkylphenols having 8 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, (C₁₂-C₁₉)-fatty acid mono- and diesters of addition products of from 1 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide onto glycerol, glycerol mono- and diesters and sorbitan mono- and diesters of saturated and unsaturated (C₈-C₁₈)-fatty acids and ethylene oxide addition products thereof, (C₈-C₁₈)-alkylmono- and oligoglycosides and ethoxylated analogs thereof, addition products of from 10 to 60 mol of ethylene oxide onto castor oil and hydrogenated castor oil, ethoxylated and nonethoxylated mono-, di- and trialkyl monophosphoric esters, in particular mono-, di- and tri(lauryl tetraglycol ether) o-phosphoric esters and mono-, di- and tri(cetyl tetraglycol ether) o-phosphoric esters.

[0066] Preferred amphoteric surfactants carry a (C₈-C₁₈)-alkyl or acyl group and at least one free amino group and at least one —COOH or —SO₃H group. Preference is given to N-acylglycines, N-alkylpropionic acid, N-alkylaminobutyric acids, N-alkyliminodipropionic acids, N-hydroxyethyl-N-alkylamidopropylglycines, N-alkyltaurines, N-alkylsarcosines, 2-alkylaminopropionic acids and alkylaminoacetic acids having in each case 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. Particular preference is given to N-cocoalkylaminopropionate, cocoacylaminoethylaminopropionate and (C₁₂-C₁₈)-alkylsarcosines.

[0067] Particularly suitable zwitterionic surfactants are betaines, such as, for example, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium glycinates, e.g. cocoalkyldimethylammonium glycinates, N-acylaminopropyl-N-N-dimethylammonium glycinates, e.g. cocoacylaminopropyidimethylammonium glycinate, 2-alkyl-3-carboxymethyl-3-hydroxyethylimidazolines having in each case 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl or acyl group and cocoacylaminoethyl hydroxyethylcarboxymethyl glycinate.

[0068] The compositions preferably comprise surfactant mixtures, particular preference being given to mixtures of nonionic and zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:5 or mixtures of nonionogenic surfactants and any desired mixtures of zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:5.

[0069] Suitable oily substances are all known oils, fats and waxes of mineral, animal, vegetable and synthetic origin. Preference is given, as oil and fatty components, to diallyl ethers having a total of 12 to 24 carbon atoms, fatty acid esters having a total of 12 to 26 carbon atoms, liquid hydrocarbons having 10 to 32 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acid esters are, for example, methyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, n-hexyl laurate, n-butyl stearate and cetyl/stearyl isononanoate.

[0070] Particular preference is given to paraffin oils, vaseline, vegetable oils, synthetic triglycerides, such as, for example, glyceryl tricaprylate, and also silicone oils.

[0071] Super fatting agents which may be used are substances such as, for example, lanolin and lecithin, and polyethoxylated or acylated lanolin and lecithin derivatives, polyol fatty acid esters, monoglycerides and fatty acid alkanolamides.

[0072] Suitable bodying agents are fatty alcohols having 12 to 22, preferably 12 to 18, carbon atoms, and also partial glycerides.

[0073] Further thickeners which may be used are polysaccharides, in particular xantham gum, guar-guar, agar-agar, alginates, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, relatively high molecular weight polyethylene glycol mono- and diesters of fatty acids, polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, surfactants such as, for example, ethoxylated fatty acid glycerides, esters of fatty acids with polyols such as, for example, pentaerythritol or trimethylpropane, fatty alcohol ethoxylates or alkyl oligoglucosides, and electrolytes, such as sodium chloride and ammonium chloride.

[0074] Examples of suitable silicone compounds are dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxanes, cyclic silicones, and amino-, fatty acid-, alcohol-, polyether-, epoxy-, fluorine- and/or alkyl-modified silicone compounds which, at room temperature, may either be in liquid form or in the form of a resin.

[0075] Biogenic active ingredients are to be understood as meaning, for example, Bisabolol®, Allantoin®, Phytantriol®, Panthenol®, AHAs, plant extracts and vitamin complexes.

[0076] Antidandruff agents which can be used are Climbazole®, Octopirox®, Oxiconazole® and Zinc Pyrethione®.

[0077] Customary film formers are chitosan, microcrystalline chitosan, quaternized chitosan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymers, polymers of the acrylic acid series, quaternary cellulose derivatives, collagen, hyaluronic acid and salts thereof and similar compounds.

[0078] To improve the flow behavior, hydrotropic agents, such as, for example, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol or glucose, can also be used.

[0079] Suitable preservatives are, for example, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde solution, parabens, pentanediol and sorbic acid.

[0080] An available moisture-donating substance is, for example, isopropyl palmitate, glycerol and/or sorbitol.

[0081] The total content of auxiliaries and additives in the compositions is preferably 1 to 50% by weight, particularly preferably 5 to 40% by weight.

[0082] The examples below serve to illustrate the invention, but do not limit it. The quat active content of the compositions according to the invention was determined by cation titration. The setting points were determined by slowly reducing the temperature.

EXAMPLE 1

[0083] 120.34 g of ®Genamin KDMP (behenyltrimethylammonium chloride pellets with a content of about 19% isopropanol, Clariant GmbH) were mixed into 100.11 g of ®LIAL 145 (mixture of singly branched and linear fatty alcohols with an alkyl chain length of from 14 to 15 carbon atoms; Sasol) in a 1000 ml round-bottomed flask and melted in an oil bath at 70-90° C. After a homogeneous melt had formed, a vacuum of initially about 700 mbar was applied to the rotary evaporator and the isopropanol was distilled off over the course of about 3 hours. During this, the vacuum was continuously increased to about 22 mbar. Residues of volatile solvent were then removed over the course of 2 hours at a bath temperature of 90° C. and a vacuum of 16 mbar. This gave a clear solution which solidified at 80-84° C. and was completely molten again at 90° C. At 25° C. the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 47% by weight.

EXAMPLE 2

[0084] A composition comprising 57% by weight of behenyltrimethylammonium chloride, 40% by weight of ®LIAL 145 and 3% by weight of isopropanol was prepared analagously to Example 1. This gave a clear solution which solidified at 80-84° C. and was completely molten again at 90° C. At 25° C. the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 57% by weight.

EXAMPLE 3

[0085] A composition comprising 64% by weight of behenyltrimethylammonium chloride, 33% by weight of ®LIAL 145 and 3% by weight of isopropanol was prepared analogously to Example 1. This gave a clear solution which solidified at 80-84° C. and was completely molten again at 90° C. At 25° C. the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 64% by weight.

EXAMPLE 4

[0086] ®Genamin KDMP (behenyltrimethylammonium chloride pellets with a content of about 19% isopropanol, Clariant GmbH) was dried in a vacuum furnace to remove the solvent for 14 hours at a temperature of 74° C. and a pressure of about 200 mbar until the weight was constant. (The weight loss here corresponded to the expected amount of solvent of about 19%). The pellets dried in this way were ground to give a powder and sieved (sieve width: 630 μm).

[0087] 4.9 g of dried and sieved behenyltrimethylammonium chloride was introduced into a 50 ml powder bottle made of glass and treated with 5.1 g of ®LIAL 145 (Sasol). After the bottle had been sealed, the mixture was heated at about 100° C. for 12 hours. During this period, the sample was stirred a number of times using a spatula in order to homogenize the mixture. This gave a clear, slightly yellowish solution which solidified at 79-80° C. and was completely molten again at 85° C. The quat active content was 49% by weight.

EXAMPLE 5

[0088] A composition comprising 60% by weight of behenyltrimethylammonium chloride and 40% by weight of ®LIAL 145 was prepared analogously to Example 4. This gave a slightly opaque melt which solidified at 80-82° C. and was completely molten again at 90° C. At 25° C. the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 60% by weight.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 4a)

[0089] A composition comprising 49% by weight of behenyltrimethylammonium chloride and 51% by weight of cetearyl alcohol had a melting point of 105-108° C. (see WO 00/28950). The quat active content was 49% by weight.

[0090] Formulation Examples for Cosmetic Formulations:

[0091] The composition according to the invention from Example 4 was melted and pelletized by being dropped onto a cold metal plate. The pellets obtained in this way were then incorporated into the corresponding formulations.

EXAMPLE 6 Cream Rinse

[0092] A Composition from Ex. 4 3% by weight ® HOSTAPHAT KL 340 D 1.5% by weight (trilaureth-4 phosphate, Clariant) Cetyl alcohol 3% by weight Paraffin oil 1% by weight B Water 91.5% by weight C Citric acid q.s.

[0093] Preparation:

[0094] I) Melt A at 75° C.

[0095] II) Heat B to 75° C.

[0096] III) Stir B into A and cool

[0097] IV) Adjust pH to pH=4 with C.

EXAMPLE 7 O/W Handcream

[0098] A Composition from Ex. 4 4% by weight ® HOSTACERIN DGSB 6% by weight (PEG-4 polyglycerol-2-stearate, Clariant) Paraffin oil, high viscosity 10% by weight Isopropyl palmitate 10% by weight B Water 69.6% by weight Preservative q.s. C Perfume 0.4% by weight

[0099] Preparation:

[0100] I) Melt A at 80° C.

[0101] II) Heat B to 80° C.

[0102] III) Stir B into A and cool

[0103] IV) Add C at 35° C.

EXAMPLE 8 Hair Conditioner with Pearlescent Effect

[0104] A Composition from Ex. 4 3% by weight ® Genamin KSL 9% by weight (PEG-5 stearyl ammonium lactate, Clariant) ® Hostaphat KL 340 D 1.5% by weight (trilaureth-4 phosphate, Clariant) Jojoba oil 1.0% by weight B ® Tylose H 100 000 YP2 1.5% by weight (Hydroxyethylcellulose, Clariant) C Water ad 100% D Perfume 0.50% by weight Panthenol 0.50% by weight ® Genapol PDC 4% by weight (Glycol distearate, laureth-4, cocamidopropyl betaine, mica and titanium dioxide, Clariant) E Citric acid q.s.

[0105] Preparation:

[0106] I) A is heated to 75° C.

[0107] II) B is carefully dissolved in C and heated to about 75° C.

[0108] III) II is added to I with stirring

[0109] IV) Allow to cool with stirring, add D to III at 30° C.

[0110] V) Adjust pH to pH=4 with E. 

1. A composition comprising a) at least one quaternary ammonium compound according to formula (1)

where R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8, and R₂, R₃ and R₄, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are a —CH₃, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂—, CH₂CH₂OH or CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH group and X⁻ is an anion, and b) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms.
 2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises, as component b), a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2).
 3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of quaternary ammonium compounds a), based on the finished composition, is 30 to 90% by weight.
 4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compounds a) are (C₁₂-C₃₆)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.
 5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anion X⁻ in formula (1) is selected from the group consisting of chloride, iodide, bromide, methosulfate, hydrogensulfate, lactate, citrate, and mixtures thereof.
 6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound a) is behenyltrimethylammonium chloride.
 7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of alcohols b), based on the finished composition, is 10 to 70% by weight.
 8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 90:10 to 10:90.
 9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) each have 10 to 24 carbon atoms.
 10. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) are selected from Guerbet alcohols of consisting, 2-methyl-1-decanol, 2-ethyl-1-nonanol, 2-propyl-1-octanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-butyldecanol, 2-hexyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyidecanol, 2-hexyldodecanol, 2-octyldodecanol, 2-decyltetradecanol, 2-butyl-1-heptanol, 2-dodecylhexadecanol, tetradecyloctadecanol, 2-tetradecyleicosanol, 2-hexadecyloctadecanol, 2-hexadecyleicosanol, 2-methyltridecanol, 2-ethyidodecanol, 2-propylundecanol, 2-pentyinonanol, 2-heptylheptanol, 2-methyltetradecanol, 2-ethyltridecanol, 2-propyldodecanol, 2-butylundecanol, 2-pentyldecanol, 2-hexylnonanol, 2-heptyloctanol, isotridecyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.
 11. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unbranched alcohols b2) are fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, nonanol, undecanol, tridecanol, pentadecanol, heptadecanol and mixtures thereof.
 12. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which is free of polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
 13. The composition as claimed in claim 12, which comprises, based on the finished composition, less than 5% by weight of unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 14. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a setting point below 100° C.
 15. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a flash point above 80° C.
 16. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which is in the form of pellets, flakes, extrudates, pastes, compacts, powders, emulsions or dispersions.
 17. A process for the preparation of the composition of claim 1, which comprises preparing a mixture comprising i) at least one quaternary ammoniun compound a), optionally containing a branched or unbranched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, ii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, and iii) optionally at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 18. A process for the preparation of the composition of claim 1, which comprises alkylating i) at least one tertiary amine NR₁R₂R₃, where R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8, and R₂ and R₃, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are —CH₃, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂(OH), by ii) at least one alkylating agent chosen from a) R₄X, where R₄ is —CH₃—, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂(OH), and X is Cl, I, Br, OSO₃H or methosulfate, and/or b) ethylene oxide and an acid HX, where X is Cl, I, Br, OSO₃H, citrate or lactate, in the presence of iii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and iv) optionally at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 19. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of quaternary ammonium compounds a), based on the finished composition, is 40 to 80% by weight.
 20. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of quaternary ammonium compounds a), based on the finished composition, is 45 to 75% by weight.
 21. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compounds a) are (C₁₄-C₃₀)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.
 22. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compounds a) are (C₁₆-C₂₄)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.
 23. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anion X⁻ in formula (1) comprises chloride and/or methosulfate.
 24. The composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1, wherein the content of alcohols b), based on the finished composition, is 20 to 60% by weight.
 25. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of alcohols b), based on the finished composition, is 25 to 50% by weight.
 26. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 70:30 to 30:70.
 27. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 60:40 to 40:60.
 28. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) each have 12 to 18 carbon atoms
 29. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) each have 14 to 16 carbon atoms
 30. The composition as claimed in claim 12, which comprises, based on the finished composition less than 1% by weight of unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 31. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a setting point below 95° C.
 32. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a setting point below 90° C.
 33. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a setting point below 85° C.
 34. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a flash point above 100° C.
 35. A cosmetic preparation comprising the composition of claim
 1. 36. A dermatological preparation comprising the composition of claim
 1. 37. A pharmaceutical preparation comprising the composition of claim
 1. 38. A hair-treatment composition comprising the composition of claim
 1. 39. The hair-treatment composition as defined in claim 40 in the form of shampoos, rinse-off hair conditioners, cream rinses, clear rinses, hair cures, hair colorants, hair tints, permanent waving compositions, or hair gels.
 40. The hair treatment composition as defined in claim 40 in aerosol form, spray form or fluid form. 